Familiar Puzzle

BLITHE DEL ROSARIO

The dim light in my bedroom casts a moody ambiance, bathing the space in shades of red, black, and gray. My walls are adorned with dark, abstract art, and plush black curtains frame the large window, filtering the faint glow of the city outside. My bed, draped in crimson and charcoal linens, sits against one wall, while a sleek desk filled with gadgets and tools occupies the other. In the center of the room hovers a holographic display, shimmering like a ghostly apparition, reflecting my inner turmoil.

Nestled on my bed with my legs crossed, I balance a warm egg tart pie on my lap, the sweet aroma mingling with the metallic scent of technology. The flaky crust crumbles slightly as I take a bite, savoring the creamy filling while I interact with the hologram projected by my bracelet. The light flickers, revealing a digital landscape filled with complex codes and symbols. Just then, a small, whimsical figure springs to life: an artificial intelligence bunny with delicate butterfly wings. Its eyes sparkle with playful energy, and it bounces around the screen, embodying curiosity and intelligence.

"Hey, Milday! Ready to dive into The Future?" chirps B-Ai, its voice a cheerful mix of mechanical and melodic tones. The bunny's wings flutter gently, leaving trails of digital sparkles in the air.

I smile, feeling a rush of excitement. "Of course, B-Ai! What do you have for me today?" My fingers dance across the holographic interface, the cool light illuminating my face, as another bite of the tart melts in my mouth.

The Future is unlike any other online platform. It's a secretive hub where the brightest minds in technology, engineering, and science gather to collaborate on groundbreaking projects and solve complex problems. It's an elite network for intellectuals, away from prying eyes. Here, anonymity reigns, allowing members to share ideas, create innovative technologies, and tackle ethical dilemmas without fear of scrutiny. It's a sanctuary for geniuses—where the brightest ideas can flourish in the shadows, free from the constraints of mainstream society.

"Let's see…" B-Ai replies, tilting its head as if deep in thought. "I've found a few missions that could use your unique skills. How about helping an organization crack a code on a new type of technological lock? It's located on an unknown server, and they're desperate for assistance."

"Sounds intriguing! Tell me more," I say, my heart racing at the thought of tackling another challenge. The thrill of solving complex problems is intoxicating, and I love the rush of adrenaline that comes with it.

B-Ai's wings twinkle as it projects a series of images and data onto the holographic screen. "This lock is designed like a Rubik's Cube, with a series of codes hidden within its colorful panels. The challenge will be to manipulate the cube in the physical world to reveal the inscriptions and codes needed to unlock it."

"A Rubik's Cube?" I echo, my curiosity piqued. The mention stirs fond memories of Stine—my missing brother who had a knack for creating intricate puzzles and challenges. I can almost hear his laughter, teasing me as I struggled to solve his latest creation.

Stine loved to devise elaborate challenges, often layering them with tricks and traps to keep me guessing. I can still feel the warmth of those memories, even as bittersweet pang tugs at my heart. The Rubik's Cube before me isn't just a puzzle; it's reminiscent of his inventive spirit. I can almost hear him encouraging me, urging me to embrace the challenge and push my limits.

With renewed determination, I grab the physical version of the cube from the screen server. The vibrant colors dance in the dim light, each twist promising new discoveries. I can feel Stine's spirit guiding me as I dive into the puzzle, the thrill of competition igniting my drive once more.

Minutes turn into an hour as I twist and turn the cube, frustration and exhilaration mingling in a chaotic dance. Each rotation reveals intricate codes and hidden inscriptions. My heart races as I finally position the last piece.

"Almost there…" I murmured, beads of sweat forming on my brow. With one final twist, I feel the satisfying click of the lock releasing. The cube unlocks, revealing a cascade of data that flows into my holographic display.

"Congratulations, Milday! You did it!" B-Ai cheers, its wings fluttering in excitement. "Now, let's send this back to the client."

I carefully place the unlocked cube into the hologram, the data transferring seamlessly to the server. A sense of accomplishment washes over me, momentarily overshadowing the lingering sadness in my heart.

But something feels off. "Before we finalize everything," I say, my voice is steady, "I want you to investigate the client thoroughly. There's something about this task that feels off."

"Got it! I'll run a deep background check," B-Ai responds, its eyes glowing with enthusiasm.

As I await the results, I reflect on the puzzle and the memories of Stine stirred within me. Solving this mission is not just an escape; it's a way to honor our bond, channeling my grief into determination to uncover the truth behind the challenge.

"And for my efforts," I add, feeling bold, "I'm requesting a sum of one hundred trillion credits."

B-Ai blinks, its eyes widening in surprise. "That's quite a substantial amount! Are you sure they'll agree?"

"I've put in the work, and I deserve to be compensated for it. Let's see if they value my skills," I reply confidently, feeling a thrill at the prospect of not just solving the puzzle but also making a statement.

"Very well, let's present your request," B-Ai says, its voice a mix of admiration and excitement.

Just as I'm enjoying the thrill of solving the Rubik's Cube lock, a sudden knock at the door jolts me back to reality. I quickly shut down my holographic display, my heart racing as I glance around my room. I don't want anyone interrupting my sanctuary—the one place I can escape into my work.

"Blithe? It's me, Harleigh!" my cousin calls from the other side, her voice bright and cheerful.

With a reluctant sigh, I open the door to find Harleigh standing there, her face shining with a smile that feels almost blinding against the dim light of my room. She sweeps in like a ray of sunshine, her cheerful energy instantly brightening the space and pushing back the shadows that have settled in the corners.

"Hey, Blithe!" she greets, plopping down on the edge of my bed and inching closer. "What are you up to?"

"Just some work," I reply, trying to suppress my focus from earlier. The excitement from the puzzle still lingers in my mind, but I can sense that Harleigh's visit is about to change that.

"Work? You've been buried in that thing for too long!" Harleigh teases, nudging my arm playfully. "You need a break."

"I'm fine," I say, attempting to sound nonchalant. "I like the challenge."

"Sure, but you can't solve everything with a puzzle, you know," she says, her tone shifting slightly. "Sometimes you need to deal with real life, too."

I roll my eyes, knowing she's right but not wanting to admit it. "Like what? Family drama?"

"Exactly!" Harleigh says, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Speaking of family drama, I need to talk to you about something important. My dad wants you to come over and meet him in his study."

My heart sinks at the mention of Harleigh's father. "Seriously? Why can't he just come himself? If it's so important, he should talk to me directly."

"Blithe, it's really important. He's been asking about you a lot lately," Harleigh presses, her tone earnest. "You know how he gets when he feels ignored. Just let it go this time."

"Let it go? You know I'm not a fan of forced family gatherings," I say, crossing my arms. "It's always the same—awkward smiles, small talk, and then Harlota chiming in with her spoiled antics."

"Come on, Harlota isn't that bad," Harleigh says, trying to defend her sister. "I know she can be a pain, but she's still family."

"A pain? She's the worst! She's spoiled and rude, and you know it," I shoot back, recalling the last argument we had—one that left me feeling exposed. "Why do you keep giving them chances when they never change? You're just setting yourself up for disappointment."

"Because they're my family," Harleigh replies, her voice softening. "I know they have their flaws, but I believe in giving people chances, even if it's frustrating."

"Believing in them doesn't change who they are," I say, feeling frustration bubble up. "Victor isn't kind unless he's in front of other people. You're allowing this toxic dynamic to continue, and you need to protect yourself from it."

"I know," Harleigh says, her voice softening. "But think of it this way: it might not be as bad as you think. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

"Different how?" I ask, skepticism creeping in. "What if he just brings up all the old issues again or tries to do something I'll surely hate?"

"Then you handle it," Harleigh says firmly, giving me a reassuring smile. "You are capable of standing your ground. Just take a deep breath and remember, it's just a meeting. You can always leave if it gets too much."

"I hope you're right," I say, but doubt lingers. "Just don't say I didn't warn you. You deserve better than this constant cycle of disappointment."

As I walk down the hallway, a knot tightens in my stomach. The walls feel closer, the air heavier, as I approach Harleigh's father's study—the very place I've been avoiding for too long. I can already hear the distant sound of chatter, the familiar buzz of voices that often makes me feel like an outsider in my own life.

"Just remember, you don't have to act nice just stay calm no matter what," Harleigh says, sensing my unease. "They just want to see you—even if it's all superficial."

"I get that, but I don't want to deal with their annoying expectations," I reply, feeling the tension rise again. "It's exhausting, and I don't want to walk into another minefield. You have to realize that their behavior is toxic, and you need to protect yourself from it."

"I know," Harleigh says, her voice softening. "But think of it this way: it might not be as bad as you think. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

As we reach the door to the study, I take a deep breath, trying to prepare for whatever awaits on the other side. The thought of facing them feels daunting, and I can't shake the sense that I'm walking into something I'm not ready for. I can only hope this meeting won't pull me back into my sorrow but instead offer a moment of connection, however brief it might be.